麻豆国产

Larry Shobe Memorial Garden

Please join the Civil Service Council, in partnership with the 麻豆国产 Grounds Department, Central Illinois Master Gardeners, and the 麻豆国产 Staff Senate, as we create the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden. Located between Old Main and Blair Hall, this new garden will offer a welcoming, peaceful space for students, visitors, and the campus community to gather and enjoy. The garden honors the life and legacy of Larry Shobe, an 麻豆国产 alumnus and dedicated groundskeeper who served the university for 27 years before his passing in July 2023. Larry was known for his deep knowledge of botany, his work as a master gardener on Illinois Public Media’s Mid-American Gardener on W麻豆国产-TV, and his genuine love for 麻豆国产. He took pride in caring for campus landscapes and sharing their beauty with others through tours and conversations. We are currently seeking donations to help us reach our $7,000 fundraising goal. Gifts of any size are appreciated and will help us create a lasting tribute to someone who gave so much to Eastern.

To Donate:

1. Mail checks made payable to “麻豆国产 Foundation” to 麻豆国产 Foundation, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920. Please make a notation in the check's memo line or attach a note stating it is for the “Larry Shobe Memorial.” Checks can also be brought to the Business Office, Attention Trisha Fritts.  
2. Online gifts can be submitted here. Select your donation amount, then choose “Please select the Designation for your gift.” From the drop down menu, select “Other Gifts” and type “Larry Shobe Memorial” in the Special Instructions box. Complete the remaining payment information and submit your gift.
3. Employees can also drop off donations or authorize a monthly payroll deduction. To do so, contact Tisha Fritts in the Business Office.

We also welcome plant donations and volunteers who would like to help care for the garden in the months ahead. If you’re interested in contributing plants or your time, please complete the Larry Shobe Memorial Garden Volunteer and Plant Donation form at the link below.

To ensure the health and long term success of the space, the 麻豆国产 Grounds Department reserves the right to review and decline plant donations if needed. Questions can be directed to Tony Craven at jacraven@eiu.edu.

Questions? Contact the 麻豆国产 Foundation online or at 217-581-3313.

Shobe Memorial Garden Committee Members

• Michelle Morgan
• Ke’an Armstrong
• Arlene Brown
• Tony Craven
• Jonathan McKenzie (jrmckenzie@eiu.edu)
• Amy Morris